Lawhoma Hills |Ellis McHale|Oklahoma Fiction

Teacher’s Corner:

A Note from Lolli

Welcome to Camp Run Amuck!

I'm Lolli, and before campfires, muddy boots, and grandkids filled my days, I spent many happy years as a third-grade teacher. One thing I learned is that some of the very best lessons don't come from a worksheet, they come from a good story and the conversations that follow.

Around camp, we never rush to the next chapter. We stop, wonder, laugh, ask questions, and sometimes change our minds. Every camper has a different idea to share, and that's exactly how great readers grow.

Inside this Teacher's Corner guide you'll find the kinds of questions we'd ask around the campfire, along with writing ideas and cross-curricular connections for Grades 3–6. There aren't any right answers here, just opportunities for thoughtful conversations.

So gather your readers, pull up a chair, and join us around the campfire.

We'll save a seat and some cookies for you.

— Lolli
Camp Run Amuck’s Official Retired 3rd Grade Teacher

Ellie Ashe at Fox Hollow Cheer

Before You Read

Have you ever been the new kid on a team or in a club?
What do you think is harder: trying something new or asking for help?
Why do you think people try out for things even when they might not make the top team?

Getting Started

Ellie leaves the comfort of Lawhoma Hills for Fox Hollow. How can a familiar place make us feel brave enough to try something new?

The Tryouts

Were you nervous during each round of tryouts? Which part made you the most anxious?
Ellie reaches for a Sour Patch Kid when her nerves take over. Do you have a small habit that helps you feel calmer before something important?

Family

Ellie overhears adults talking about how expensive competitive cheer can be. How do you think it felt to hear that conversation?
What do Gus, Connie, Mack, and Will each do differently to support Ellie? Why is it important that families don't all have to look the same to work well?

Friendship

Some veteran cheerleaders make new athletes feel unwelcome. Why do you think people sometimes treat newcomers that way?
Ellie stands beside her friends even when it could hurt her own chances. Would you have done the same? Why?

Growing Up

Ellie worries about homework, practices, Camp Run Amuck, and keeping up with everything. Have you ever felt pulled in too many directions?
What advice would you give Ellie if she were sitting beside you?

After Reading

Ellie hoped for varsity but earned a place on JV. Was that a disappointment or a beginning?
How would the story change if Ellie had made varsity right away?
What does this story teach about earning something instead of expecting it?
Which adult in Ellie's life gave the best advice? Why?
Which friendship felt the most genuine?
How does Camp Run Amuck continue to be "home" even when Ellie spends time somewhere new?
What is one way Ellie is different on the last page than she was on the first?
What goal are you willing to keep working toward, even if it takes longer than you hoped?